The new born baby has many reflexes at birth that we don’t really think about but are very important.

These reflexes are closely dependent not only upon babies’ maturity for example if the baby was born full Term or premature will play a big part as well as any underlining medical conditions or even the time of day if the baby is hungry or sleepy.

New born posture and large movements

Ventral Suspension – if baby is held in a ventral suspension (you hold the baby around body with arms and legs hanging down the head droops below the body.

Ventral Suspension

The Moro – or startled reflex is when you support the babies body and head equally and carefully but suddenly make a small dropping movement the baby will throw their arm out.

Moro Reflex

Pulled to sitting – when the baby is laying down and you pull them into a sitting position you will notice a marked head lag as the muscles of the neck are not strong enough.

Pulled to sitting

Held upright under arms – if held in a upright suspension under arms the muscles of the shoulder and upper arms demonstrate good tone and power by holding symmetrically for several seconds for giving way placing reactions, primary walking and extension of legs to pressure on the soles of the feet are demonstrated anthe the toes or if pressure is put on palm of the hand the fingers or toes will grip around the pressure this is know as the palmar and planter grasp reflex. palmar and planter grasp reflex

Palmar and Planter grasp

The ears and eyes of a newborn

1. The newborn will root for the mothers breast at birth looking for milk he can also suck, swallow.

2. Pupils will react to light from birth with optical closure to sudden bright light.

3. Baby will blink or open eyes to sudden sound.

Open eyes when held in a upright position.

A few of the reflexes present at birth will disappear within a few days but many will stay with new ones developing in the coming weeks.